Lancers vet McGarva headed to CFL prospects camp

GG quarterback Aaron Colbon is sacked by Akeem Whonder in the second half as the Ottawa University GG's meet the University of Windsor Lancers at Frank Clair Stadium October 29, 2011, in the Ontario University quarter final game. (Wayne Cuddington / Ottawa Citizen)

“I believe he will be in the CFL one day. He has all the tools. He’s aggressive, physical, athletic and really smart. I’ve gotten calls from every CFL team about him.”

The 21-year-old native of Surrey, B.C., was limited to four games last season because of a dislocated elbow yet was just one vote shy of being an OUA first-team all-star for posting 22 tackles in half a season.

He played multiple positions on defence and distinguished himself on special teams.

Following a full eight-game season in 2011 where he posted 48 tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown, he was named a CIS all-Canadian.

“I’m excited to get the opportunity,” McGarva said of e-camp. “It’s a chance to not only show my talent but to show my character both in the locker-room and off the field.”

McGarva said he began training for an invite to the annual prospect camp about a year ago after playing well in the CIS East-West game.

“I’ve really been going hard since the end of the season,” he said.

About 50 prospects will gather Friday at the Park Hyatt Toronto Hotel for medicals and team interviews.

Saturday, they’ll be tested for strength, athleticism and flexibility and Sunday the scene shifts to Varsity Centre for on-the-field drills.

“They’ll probably make him a free safety at the next level because that’s typically a Canadian position,” D’Amore said. “He’ll also contribute on special teams. That’s where he’ll make a team because of his special teams’ ability.”

Tecumseh native Pawel Kruba, a fifth-year linebacker with the Western Mustangs, has also been invited.

While anxious for a shot at the pros, McGarva will return to the Lancers for his fifth and final season if he isn’t drafted or fails to find a solid opportunity through free agency.

“The CFL is a once in a lifetime thing,” he said. “If I have the opportunity to stick with a team I would do it but if not, I have absolutely no problem coming back to finish school.”

Four other fifth-year Lancers in wide receiver Dylan Whitfield, running back Mitch Dender, linebacker Chris Deneau and defensive back Akeem Whonder will also be in Toronto Friday for the Duane Forde National Invitational Combine.

Forde, a TSN broadcaster and former CFLer, started his own combine invitational in 2010 for players who have pro potential but don’t get invited to the CFL e-camp.

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